Mali Campaign Lifts Hollande in France

By

Gabriele Parussini

Updated Jan. 15, 2013 5:30 p.m. ET

PARIS—French President François Hollande has gotten a political boost at home from his decision to dispatch troops to Mali, even as questions are being asked about how long those forces will be on the ground.

Mr. Hollande has drawn criticism for being indecisive in dealing with France's problems. His popularity has nose-dived as the economy stagnates. One of his nicknames is "Flanby" after a wobbly French pudding.